FOREST CONSERVATION AMENDMENT BILL 

1. Context 

The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill is set to be presented in the upcoming monsoon session of the Indian Parliament, scheduled to commence on July 20, 2023. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) responsible for reviewing the proposed amendments has largely approved the version put forth by the government, drawing limited comments, revisions, or suggestions. 

2. About the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill

• The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill aims to modify the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, legislation designed to safeguard India's forests.
• The Act grants the central government the authority to regulate the extraction of forest resources, encompassing timber, bamboo, coal, minerals, and the rights of forest-dwelling communities.
• Notably, the Forest Rights Act protects the livelihoods and rights of tribals and forest dwellers who depend on forests.
• While the Act has curbed forest appropriation, the absence of a comprehensive definition of a 'forest' has led to debates and discrepancies in forest conservation.

3. Key Amendments Proposed

The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill introduces several significant changes to the existing Act. These include

 3.1. Preamble and Renaming

• The proposed amendments entail the inclusion of a preamble emphasizing India's commitment to preserving forests, and biodiversity, and addressing climate change challenges.
• Additionally, the name of the Act would be changed to Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam (Forest Conservation and Augmentation), reflecting the revised scope.

3.2. Applicability of the Act

• The amended Act would only apply to lands officially recorded as 'forest' in any government document after 1980.
• Lands legally diverted for non-forest purposes between 1980 and 1996 would be exempted from the Forest Conservation Act's provisions.

3.3. Exemptions

• Forest land located 100 km away from international borders and earmarked for "strategic projects of national importance," as well as land ranging from 5-10 hectares for security and defence initiatives, would be exempted from the Act's stipulations.
• These amendments aim to address obstacles faced by private parties seeking to develop plantations in degraded forests or restore tree patches.
• The retrospective earmarking of private plantations as forests would lead to the loss of associated rights, hindering India's goal of developing a substantial "carbon sink" by 2030.

4. Objections Raised

• While the JPC has given its approval, dissenting notes filed by six members, all from Opposition parties, indicate objections to the amendments.
• Concerns are voiced by various stakeholders, including NGOs, think tanks, and tribal communities.

4.1. Ecological Impact

• Exemptions granted by the amendments could pose threats to significant forests in the Himalayan, trans-Himalayan, and northeastern regions.
• Without appropriate assessment and mitigation plans, clearing such forests could endanger biodiversity and trigger extreme weather events.

4.2.  Limited Scope

Limiting the legislation's applicability to forests recorded after 1980 would exclude substantial forest areas and biodiversity hotspots, potentially subjecting them to non-forestry purposes, exploitation, and sale.

4.3. Balance of Power

Some experts argue that the amendments dilute the Godavarman judgment, while certain state governments assert that forest conservation falls within the purview of both the central and state authorities, thereby demanding a balanced approach.

5. Ministry's Response

• In response to the objections, the Ministry of Environment has provided detailed explanations to the JPC, attempting to address the concerns raised.
• The Ministry asserts that the amendments do not dilute the Godavarman judgment and that safeguards are in place to prevent land misuse.
• It clarifies that exemptions along international borders are limited to specific linear projects of strategic importance identified by the central government and are not accessible to private entities.

6. The Way Forward

• As the JPC prepares to present its report in Parliament during the upcoming monsoon session, the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill is poised for debate.
• The proposed changes to the Act have stirred controversies and drawn objections from various stakeholders, highlighting concerns about ecological impact, limited scope, renaming, and the balance of power between the central and state authorities.
• The Ministry of Environment has responded to these objections, emphasizing that the amendments aim to enhance forest conservation efforts while addressing challenges associated with reforestation and carbon sink development.

CLOUD STORAGE-DATA BREACH

 

 

1. Context

According to a 2023 survey by Thales Cloud Security, which included responses from nearly 3,000 IT and security professionals from across 18 Countries, 35% of organisations in India note that their data was breached in a cloud environment last year.

Moreover, 68% of businesses in India, and  75% globally, say that more than 40%of data stored in the cloud are classified as sensitive.

2. What is a data breach?

• A data breach in cloud storage refers to a security incident where unauthorized individuals or entities gain access to sensitive or confidential information stored in a cloud computing environment.
• Cloud storage typically involves storing data on remote servers operated by a third-party provider, and a breach can occur if there is a vulnerability in the cloud infrastructure, misconfiguration of security settings, or compromised user credentials
• When a data breach occurs, it means that an attacker or unauthorized party has successfully bypassed the security measures protecting the cloud storage system and gained access to the stored data.
• The extent of the breach can vary, ranging from accessing a single user's account to compromising the entire cloud infrastructure and affecting multiple users.

3. Instances of data breaches

There have been many instances of data breaches in the past, some of which have been very large and have affected millions of people. Here are a few examples:

3.1.Equifax (2017): Equifax, one of the largest credit reporting agencies, experienced a data breach that exposed the personal information of approximately 147 million people. The breach included names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and in some cases, driver's license numbers.

3.2.Yahoo (2013-2014): Yahoo suffered two significant data breaches. The first breach, which occurred in 2013, affected over 1 billion user accounts and involved the theft of names, email addresses, hashed passwords, and more. The second breach, revealed in 2016 but dating back to 2014, affected approximately 500 million accounts.

3.3.Marriott International (2014-2018): Marriott, a renowned hotel chain, experienced a data breach that compromised the personal information of around 500 million guests. The breach involved unauthorized access to the Starwood guest reservation database, including names, contact information, passport numbers, and payment card details.

3.4.Facebook-Cambridge Analytica (2018): This incident involved the unauthorized collection of personal data from tens of millions of Facebook users by the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica. The data was obtained through a third-party application and was used for targeted political advertising.

3.5.Capital One (2019): Capital One, a major financial institution, experienced a data breach that exposed the personal information of approximately 100 million individuals in the United States and 6 million in Canada. The breach involved unauthorized access to credit card applications and included names, addresses, credit scores, and Social Security numbers.

3.6. CoWIN:In June 2022, there were allegations that a data breach had occurred on the COWIN data portal, which is the government's platform for registering and tracking COVID-19 vaccinations in India. The allegations were made after a Telegram bot was found that was allegedly able to access personal data of vaccinated citizens, including their names, Aadhaar numbers, and vaccination status.

The government denied the allegations, stating that the COWIN portal had not been directly breached. However, they acknowledged that the Telegram bot may have been able to access data that had been previously stolen from other sources.

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) investigated the allegations and found that the Telegram bot was not directly accessing the COWIN database. However, they also found that the bot was using data that had been previously stolen from other sources.

The government has taken steps to address the issue, including strengthening the security of the COWIN portal and blocking the Telegram bot. However, the allegations have raised concerns about the security of the COWIN portal and the privacy of the data of vaccinated citizens.

4. Risk associated with Cloud storages

Cloud storage is a convenient and cost-effective way to store data, but it is not without risks. Here are some of the risks associated with cloud storage:

• Data breaches: Cloud storage providers are constantly under attack from hackers. If a cloud storage provider is breached, your data could be exposed.
• Data loss: Cloud storage providers can experience outages or other problems that could lead to data loss.
• Data privacy: Cloud storage providers have access to your data. If you are not careful, your data could be used for unauthorized purposes.
• Data security: Cloud storage providers use a variety of security measures to protect your data, but no security system is perfect. There is always a risk that your data could be compromised.

• Government intrusion: In some cases, governments may be able to access data stored in the cloud. This is a risk to consider if you are storing sensitive data in the cloud.
• Vendor lock-in: If you become too reliant on a particular cloud storage provider, you may be locked in to their platform. This could make it difficult or expensive to switch to a different provider if you are not happy with their service.
• Compliance issues: If you are storing data in the cloud, you need to make sure that you are complying with all applicable regulations. This can be a complex and time-consuming process.

5. Data migration in the Cloud

Data migration is the process of moving data from one location to another. When data is migrated to the cloud, there are a number of risks that need to be considered.

Here are some of the most common risks of data migration in the cloud:

• Data loss: During the migration process, there is always a risk of data loss. This can happen due to human error, technical problems, or natural disasters.
• Data corruption: Data corruption can also occur during the migration process. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as incompatible file formats, incorrect data mapping, or corrupt data sources.
• Security breaches: Cloud migration can also increase the risk of security breaches. This is because cloud providers have access to your data, and if their security is compromised, your data could be exposed.
• Compliance issues: If you are migrating data that is subject to compliance regulations, you need to make sure that the migration process complies with those regulations. This can be a complex and time-consuming process.

 

 

For Prelims: Right to privacy, Article 21, Fundamental rights For Mains: 1.Discuss the challenges and importance of data privacy in the digital age. How can governments ensure the protection of citizens' data while promoting technological advancements and innovation? Illustrate with suitable examples.

 

Previous year Questions 1.Right to privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and personal liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement (UPSC CSE 2018) A.Artilce 14 and Provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution B.Article 17 and the Directive principles of state policy in Part IV C. Article 21 and freedoms guaranteed in part III D. ARticle 24 and the provisions under the 44th amendment of the Constitution Answer (C)

 

 

Source: The Hindu

ISRO

 

1. Context

Chandrayaan-3, the mission that aims to achieve the feat of conducting a “soft” landing on the Moon’s southern pole, launched off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Andhra Pradesh on Friday (July 14) afternoon.

It will now take approximately 42 days to reach the Moon. Should it conduct a successful landing, India will become only the fourth country – after the United States, Russia, and China – to have done so.

Since its inception in 1969, the country’s space agency Isro has carried out altogether 89 launch missions carrying satellites into space

Vikaram Sarabhai

Source: Britannica

 

2. Early beginnings

• The history of space activities in India reflects how little by little, institutions centred around space exploration and research were set up and expanded
• Along with Vikram Sarabhai, a few scientists worked here but lacked adequate funds
• However, Sarabhai was able to secure some resources from both the USSR and the US, even during the period of the Cold War rivalry
•  His efforts paid off, and on November 21, 1963, a small American sounding rocket, known as Nike Apache, took off from Thumba, a fishing hamlet near Trivandrum, Kerala
• This place was chosen for meeting certain geography and physics-related criteria, such as of being at the magnetic equator, which eased the process of the rocket’s launch.
• Sounding rockets are one or two-stage solid propellant rockets used for probing the upper atmospheric regions and for space research
• They also serve as easily affordable platforms to test or prove prototypes of new components intended for use in launch vehicles and satellites
• With the establishment of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in 1963 at Thumba, a location close to the magnetic equator, there was a quantum jump in the scope for aeronomy and atmospheric sciences in India
• While looking for a decent building to work the only “decent building” available was one St Magdalene Church
• One of Sarabhai’s early recruits, D Easwaradas, is quoted as saying “The church was our workshop and the bishop’s house was our office.”
• The building was later converted into the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre Space Museum in 1985
• The building assumed multifaceted roles in the beginning of ISRO by acting as the first lab and as the main office for scientists in the early days

 3. Journey of INSCOPAR and ISRO

• In 1962, Nehru and Sarabhai established the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) as an autonomous body that was a part of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), then headed by the pioneering Indian scientist Homi J Bhabha
• The ICONOSPAR grew to become the Indian Space Research Organisation in 1969
• With the establishment of the ISRO and further with the government of India forming a dedicated Department of Space (DOS) in 1972, research and execution of space-related enterprises got a boost. ISRO was also brought under the DOS
• ISRO now has its headquarters in Bengaluru. Its activities are spread across various centres and units
• Launch Vehicles are built at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram; satellites are designed and developed at U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru; integration and launching of satellites and launch vehicles are carried out from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), and so on

4. Endeavours of ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has accomplished numerous significant achievements and milestones since its establishment in 1969. Here are some notable endeavors of ISRO:

1. Launching Satellites: ISRO has developed and launched a series of satellites for various purposes, including communication, weather forecasting, navigation, remote sensing, and scientific research. Satellites like INSAT, IRS, and GSAT have played crucial roles in communication, broadcasting, and gathering Earth observation data.

2. Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM): In 2013, ISRO successfully launched the Mars Orbiter Mission, also known as Mangalyaan, making India the first country to achieve a successful Mars mission on its maiden attempt. The mission aimed to study the Martian atmosphere and gather scientific data.

3. Chandrayaan Missions: ISRO conducted two successful lunar missions—Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2. Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008, discovered evidence of water molecules on the Moon's surface. Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, aimed to land a rover on the Moon's surface but experienced a partial success as the lander couldn't achieve a soft landing.

4. GSLV and PSLV Launchers: ISRO has developed the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). These launchers have been instrumental in deploying satellites into both geostationary and polar orbits. The PSLV has achieved numerous successful launches and played a vital role in India's space program.

5. Human Spaceflight Program: ISRO is actively working on its first manned mission, called Gaganyaan. The mission aims to send Indian astronauts into space, marking India's entry into human spaceflight. The first crewed mission is expected to be launched in the near future.

6. Navigation System: ISRO has developed the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC. It provides precise positioning and timing services over the Indian subcontinent, benefiting various sectors like transportation, disaster management, and navigation.

7. Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD): ISRO has made progress in developing a reusable launch vehicle to reduce the cost of space missions. The RLV-TD program includes testing technologies for the re-entry and landing of a reusable spacecraft.

 

 

Source: indianexpress

HWASONG-18 ICBM

 

1. Context

North Korea tested its latest Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Wednesday (July 12, 2023), the country’s state media reported. This ICBM is the first to use solid propellants.

 

2. Hwasong-18

• The Hwasong-18 is a solid-fuelled ICBM and was first unveiled at the February 8 parade earlier this year that commemorated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Army in DPRK’s capital Pyongyang
• Experts say that the use of solid propellants in the Hwasong-18 allows for faster deployment of missiles. Solid propellants can fire faster and accelerate more quickly at liftoff
• According to the US Centennial of Flight Commission, a government database on aerospace and aviation history, the “very first rockets, built by the Chinese at some unknown period in the first millennium, used solid propellants, a variant of black powder used in early guns
• Solids were used for many military applications, such as short-range rockets, but they were not used for any long-range applications, and certainly not for spaceflight due to their comparative lack of power
•  Despite this, solid propellants were extremely attractive for military missile use primarily because they were storable.”

3. What are ICMB's

ICBMs are ballistic missiles that have a range of over 5,500 km and have nuclear weapons delivery technology

Presently, in addition to the DPRK, Russia, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, China, India and Israel are the only countries that are in documented possession of land-based ICBMs

4.Key takeaways

• The Hwasong-18 is the largest ICBM ever developed by North Korea. It is estimated to have a range of up to 15,000 kilometers, which would allow it to reach the continental United States. The missile is also capable of carrying a large payload, which could include multiple nuclear warheads.
• The Hwasong-18 is a significant development for North Korea's missile program. It represents a major technological advance, and it gives North Korea a new and more capable long-range missile.
• The development of the Hwasong-18 has been met with concern by the United States and its allies, who see it as a threat to regional and global security.
• The Hwasong-18 is a complex and sophisticated missile, and it is not yet clear how reliable it is. However, the development of the Hwasong-18 is a significant achievement for North Korea, and it is a reminder of the country's ongoing nuclear and missile programs.

 

For Prelims: Intercontinental ballistic missile For Mains: 1.Discuss the significance and implications of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) in the context of global security and deterrence. How have ICBMs influenced the dynamics of international relations? 2.Analyze the technological advancements and challenges associated with the development and deployment of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). How do these advancements impact global strategic stability and arms control measures?

Source: indianexpress

NATO

1. Context

• The NATO Summit held in Vilnius, Lithuania, aimed to project a unified front amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• While Turkey's opposition to Sweden's accession to NATO was resolved, the summit primarily focused on new spending goals, long-term support for Ukraine, and the contentious issue of Ukraine's promised membership without a clear timeline. 

2. Ukraine's Limited Gains at the Summit

• Despite Ukraine's demand for a concrete commitment to NATO membership, the Vilnius summit's outcome provided no clarity or timeframe.
• The 2008 Bucharest summit had offered eventual membership to Ukraine, but the Vilnius communique stated that an invitation to join the alliance would be extended when allies agree and conditions are met.
• However, amidst Russia's invasion of Ukraine, more member countries are now supportive of Ukraine's NATO membership.
• While no timeline was given, Ukraine received assurances of military supplies and support for its defence capabilities.

3. The Reasons for Ukraine's Non-Membership

• The core reason behind Ukraine's exclusion from NATO lies in the alliance's principle of collective security, outlined in Article 5.
• Admitting Ukraine now would mean NATO would be at war with Russia, as an armed attack against Ukraine would trigger collective defence measures.
• NATO aims to support Ukraine's fight against Russia without directly committing to a war that could escalate tensions.
• This cautious approach helps NATO avoid a situation where the Ukraine war becomes a full-scale conflict with Russia.

4. NATO's Expansion Over the Years

• Since its formation in 1949, NATO has expanded through several rounds of enlargement.
• Initially comprising 12 members, the alliance has grown to include 19 additional countries through nine expansion rounds.
• Despite assurances to Russia in the 1990s that NATO would not expand towards its borders, the alliance welcomed former Soviet allies such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland in 1999.
• Subsequent expansions in 2004, 2009, 2017, 2020, and 2023 brought in countries like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, Montenegro, and Finland. Sweden is set to become the 32nd member of NATO.

5. Russia's Response to NATO's Expansion

• Russia has consistently viewed NATO's expansion as a security threat.
• When Ukraine and Georgia were offered membership in 2008, Russia considered it a direct threat and later supported breakaway regions in Georgia.
• 2014 Russia swiftly annexed Crimea after a pro-Russian government in Ukraine was toppled.
• The conflict in Ukraine's Donbas region escalated into a full-scale war in 2022, with Russia backing the Russian-speaking rebels.
• While NATO desires Ukraine's membership, its reluctance to admit Ukraine now could lead Russia to continue the war, as preventing Ukraine from joining NATO remains a red line for Moscow.

6. About NATO

• NATO, which stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is an intergovernmental military alliance established in 1949.
• It was formed as a collective defence organization to promote stability, security, and cooperation among its member countries.
• The founding members of NATO were Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

6.1. Objectives of NATO

Collective Defence: NATO aims to provide collective defence for its member countries. According to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all, and member states are obligated to assist the attacked member.

Security Cooperation: NATO fosters security cooperation among member countries through political consultations, military partnerships, and joint defence planning. It promotes stability, deterrence, and crisis management.

Crisis Management: NATO plays a role in crisis management and conflict resolution by conducting peacekeeping operations, supporting international efforts, and providing assistance to countries facing security challenges.

Cooperative Security: NATO seeks to build cooperative security relationships with non-member countries through partnerships and dialogue, fostering a more stable and secure international environment.

6.2. Structure of NATO

North Atlantic Council (NAC): The NAC is the principal political decision-making body of NATO, composed of ambassadors from member countries. It sets the alliance's strategic direction and guides on security issues.

Military Committee (MC): The MC is NATO's highest military authority, consisting of senior military representatives from member countries. It advises the NAC on military matters and provides military guidance and recommendations.

International Military Staff (IMS): The IMS supports the MC in developing military policies and operational plans, as well as facilitating coordination among member countries.

NATO Command Structure: NATO has two strategic commands: Allied Command Operations (ACO) and Allied Command Transformation (ACT). ACO is responsible for operational planning and conducting military operations, while ACT focuses on transforming NATO's military capabilities and forces.

6.3. Roles and Activities of NATO

Crisis Response and Peacekeeping: NATO conducts crisis response operations and peacekeeping missions worldwide, aimed at maintaining peace, and stability, and supporting international security efforts.

Cooperative Security: NATO develops partnerships with countries outside the alliance, promoting dialogue, cooperation, and capacity-building to address shared security challenges.

Defence and Capability Development: NATO encourages member countries to invest in defence capabilities and modernization to enhance their readiness and contribute to the alliance's collective defence.

Political Consultations: NATO facilitates political consultations among member countries to address security concerns, share information, and coordinate policy responses.

 

7. The Way Forward

• The NATO Summit in Vilnius brought limited progress for Ukraine's aspirations of NATO membership, with no concrete commitments or timelines provided.
• NATO's cautious approach, rooted in collective security principles, aims to avoid direct conflict with Russia while supporting Ukraine's defence efforts.
• The expansion of NATO over the years has triggered Russia's concerns, leading to conflicts in Georgia and Ukraine.
• As Ukraine's NATO membership remains a sensitive issue for Moscow, the path forward involves balancing Ukraine's aspirations, regional security, and NATO's strategic considerations.

For Prelims: NATO, Russia-Ukraine conflict, Vilnius summit For Mains:  1. Analyze the expansion of NATO over the years, highlighting the challenges and controversies associated with the alliance's enlargement. Examine the concerns raised by Russia regarding NATO's expansion and its impact on regional security. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. What does NATO stand for?  (West Bengal Police SI  2019)  A. North American Treaty Organisation B. New Atlantic Treaty Organisation C.North Atlantic Treaty Organisation D. New American Treaty Organisation    Answer: C   2. Which among the following countries is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)? (UPSC CAPF  2022) A. Hungary B. Poland C. Belarus D. Turkey   Answer: C

 

Source: The Hindu

KUMARASWAMI KAMARAJ

 

1. Context

July 15 marks the 120th birth anniversary of Kumaraswami Kamaraj, freedom fighter and politician, known as much for his simplicity and personal integrity as for his astute political mind.

As the president of the Indian National Congress, Kamaraj steered the party during testing times post the death of Jawaharlal Nehru. While he never became prime minister himself, he was instrumental in the appointments of both Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi.

2. Introduction

• Kumaraswami Kamaraj was a freedom fighter, politician, and two-time chief minister of Madras State (present-day Tamil Nadu).
• He is best known for his role in saving the Congress Party after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru and for his investments in education. July 15 marks the 120th birth anniversary of Kamaraj.

3. Key points

• Kamaraj was a self-made leader who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in Indian politics.
• He was a strong advocate for education and made significant investments in the education sector in Tamil Nadu.
• He is best known for his role in saving the Congress Party after the death of Jawaharlal Nehru.
• He is remembered as a wise and compassionate leader who made significant contributions to the development of India.
• Today, his birthday is celebrated as ‘Education Development Day’ in schools across Tamil Nadu. 

4. Early life

• Kamaraj was born into a poor Nadar family in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu.
• He dropped out of school at the age of 11 to work in his uncle's grocery shop.
• However, he remained active in politics and was imprisoned six times by the British for his participation in the freedom struggle.

5. As a Chief Minister of Madras

• After independence, Kamaraj rose through the ranks of the Congress Party and became chief minister of Madras State in 1954.
• He served as chief minister for nine years, during which time he made significant investments in education.
• He opened thousands of new schools and introduced free and compulsory education up to Class 11 and he also launched the mid-day meal scheme.

6. Kamaraj Plan

• In 1963, Kamaraj came up with the "Kamaraj Plan," which called for government leaders to quit their ministerial offices and take up organizational work.
• The plan was intended to re-energize the Congress Party and strengthen the government.
• Kamaraj's plan was successful, and he is credited with helping to save the Congress Party after the death of Nehru.
• He also played a key role in the selection of Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi as prime ministers.

7. Conclusion

• Kamaraj passed away in 1975 at the age of 72. He was a true leader who made a lasting impact on India and a man of simplicity, integrity, and vision.
• He dedicated his life to improving the lives of the people, and he left a legacy that continues to inspire people all over the world.

 

For Prelims: Kamaraj Plan, Congress Party, Midday meals

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. Kamraj Plan was a plan formulated in 1963 by (SSB Head Constable 2021) A. Chief Minister of Madras, whereby the senior ministers were asked to leave government and work to rejuvenate the party B. Union Cabinet Minister, whereby a new Constitution for the Indian National Congress was proposed C. Chief Minister of Madras, whereby a new act set of principles for accepting donations for the party work was proposed D. Chief Minister of Madras to root out corruption form India   Answer: A   2. When was the Mid-day Meal scheme introduced by the Central Government of India for the first time? (UPRVUNL JE EE 2021)  A. 1987         B.  1990           C.  1980              D. 1995   Answer: D

 

Source: The Indian Express